DOE-NE-0088

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Research in other nuclear areas is also continuing in the 1990s. Nuclear technology plays an important role in medicine, industry, science, and food and agriculture, as well as power generation. For example, doctors use radioisotopes to identify and investigate the causes of disease. They also use them to enhance traditional medical treatments. In industry, radioisotopes are used for measuring microscopic thicknesses, detecting irregularities in metal casings, and testing welds. Archaeologists use nuclear techniques to date prehistoric objects accurately and to locate structural defects in statues and buildings. Nuclear irradiation is used in preserving food. It causes less vitamin loss than canning, freezing, or drying. Nuclear research has benefited mankind in many ways. But today, the nuclear industry faces huge, very complex issues. How can we minimize the risk? What do we do with the waste? The future will depend on advanced engineering, scientific research, and the involvement of an enlightened citizenry. 12 18
Chronology of Nuclear Research and Development The '40s 1942 December 2. The first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction occurs at the University of Chicago. 1945 July 16. The U.S. Army’s Manhattan Engineer District (MED) tests the first atomic bomb at Alamogordo, New Mexico, under the code name Manhattan Project. 1945 August 6. The atomic bomb nicknamed Little Boy is dropped on Hiroshima, Japan. Three days later, another bomb, Fat Man, is dropped on Nagasaki, Japan. Japan surrenders on August 15, ending World War II. 1946 August 1. The Atomic Energy Act of 1946 creates the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) to control nuclear energy development and explore peaceful uses of nuclear energy. 1947 October 6. The AEC first investigates the possibility of peaceful uses of atomic energy, issuing a report the following year. 1949 March 1. The AEC announces the selection of a site in Idaho for the National Reactor Testing Station. The '50s 1951 December 20. In Arco, Idaho, Experimental Breeder Reactor I produces the first electric power from nuclear energy, lighting four light bulbs. 1952 June 14. Keel for the Navy's first nuclear submarine, Nautilus, is laid at Groton, Connecticut. 19 13
Page 1 and 2: DOE/NE-0088 THE HISTORY OF Nuclear
Page 3 and 4: The History of Nuclear Energy Table
Page 5: A series of fissions is called a ch
Page 9 and 10: Introduction It is human nature to
Page 11 and 12: These elements had about half the a
Page 13 and 14: On the morning of December 2, 1942,
Page 15 and 16: Federal nuclear energy programs shi
Page 17: Scientists are also studying the po
Page 21 and 22: 1957 October 1. The United Nations
Page 23 and 24: 1964 October 3. Three nuclear-power
Page 25 and 26: adioactive waste, including spent f
Page 27: 1992 February 26. DOE signs a coope
Page 30 and 31: Hewlett, Richard, and Oscar Anderso
Page 33 and 34: Glossary atom The smallest unit of
Page 36: The Department of Energy produces p

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